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Fishing was Erin Simpson’s happy place after her separation. It brought her so much joy that the Haumoana woman put all of her focus into it.
But while it was her happy place, it wasn’t always her safe space.
Intimidation from fellow fishermen, and sexual comments towards her, were partand parcel of her newfound passion, and she despised it.
She still feels unsafe fishing alone at night.
Fishing became Erin Simpson's "happy place" until sexual comments online pushed her to stand up for women in the sport.
“I went fishing in Napier along Awatoto one evening, and there was a man sitting in a ute.
“He was watching and kept moving closer and closer to me, and that did make me feel really uncomfortable. I ended up leaving because I just felt unsafe,” she said.
Simpson says she’s spoken to many women who won’t go fishing because of the likelihood of intimidation. Not just while out on the water, but when navigating online too.
“I belong to several [Facebook fishing] pages, and whenever I posted photos, I would get unwanted attention from men,” she said.
“I would get private messages and inappropriate comments on my photos.”
She told Hawke’s Bay Today that after receiving a sexual comment about her body, she contacted a fishing group’s administration to complain.
“I decided I would make my own page where it is woman-based, where we inspire each other and get more women out there fishing,” Simpson said.
Simpson turned her passion for fishing into a safe space for women.
“Many women want to learn the basics, so they can go out and teach their children, but they are too scared to ask because it’s so men orientated. I was really inspired to create a group where you’re not afraid to ask a question.”
One of Wāhine Fishing Adventures NZ’s members is Jessica Hampton, who joined the group when it started.
“The group empowers us as women,” she says.
For Hampton, the main benefit is that it became a free channel where women are not afraid to ask.
“Fishing is [traditionally considered] a man sport. It’s amazing how women are learning and gaining confidence to get out there and fish.”
Jessica Hampton casts her line with confidence thanks to the Wāhine fishing adventures NZ group.
Though primarily for women, Simpson allows a few supportive men to join the page.
Jono Van Vuuren, who owns a fishing business called Last Cast Bait & Tackle, regularly supports the group with giveaways and advice.
“When I first started the shop, three and a half years ago, my customer base was mostly male.”
Vuuren said the scenario has been changing over the last year.
“Now we have female customers on a daily basis.”
He encourages other men to support and respect women’s passion for fishing.
“Women, like men, have the capacity to excel and deserve the same opportunities to grow in the field.”
Simpson’s efforts have also gained support from the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC).
“We are always looking for ways to encourage inclusivity in fishing. We’re proud to support Erin and connect her with our partners, resources, and opportunities to keep this momentum going,” said NZSFC lead Mike Plant.
With only three months since the group’s launch and its rapid growth, Simpson has plans for the future.
“I’ve got big ideas,” she said, though she prefers to keep the details under wraps as she continues expanding the group’s reach.
For now, her focus remains on creating “a safe space where women can feel inspired and welcomed, share knowledge, upskill each other, and hopefully build friendships along the way”.
